The evolution of the hot hatch: new issue of TG magazine out now!

Hot hatches are evolving – in some cases they don’t even spawn from hatchbacks any more. So, this month we task the Mercedes-AMG A35 with upholding the honour of the traditional recipe against a new breed of fast, affordable cars - pitting it against the Audi SQ2.

We also get together a group of the other guys. SUVs, estates, fastbacks and even fully electric cars now claim to channel the spirit of the original hot hatches, but can they get close to the benchmarks?

Elsewhere, we couldn’t miss the opportunity to start an office-wide argument in TG Towers, so we ask the team to decide on the 11 greatest hot hatchbacks of all time. Hard hats on everyone.

There’s also a trip to Australia, where we find a car culture that’s alive and kicking, as well as a roadster history lesson aided by the McLaren 720S Spider, the Cobra 427 and a road in America called the Apache Trail.

Plus, we bring you news of the reborn Citroen 2CV and the new Ford Focus ST, along with drives of the four-door Merc-AMG GT 63S, Porsche Panamera Turbo S e-Hybrid, Volvo V60 Cross Country T5, Lamborghini Huracán Evo and much more.

On top of all of that, there’s a rather dramatic turn of events for the long-term VW Up GTI in the Top Gear Garage.

Want to find out what happened? Grab a copy to find out.